Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

$- 400g spaghetti - 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt, to taste - Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon) - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To create a simple yet delicious Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, gather these key ingredients. The spaghetti forms the base of this dish. I love the way it absorbs the garlic oil. Garlic is vital too, as it adds a rich flavor. Slice it thinly for even cooking. Extra-virgin olive oil gives the dish a silky texture. Red pepper flakes bring a spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness. The zest of lemon enhances the flavor further, while Parmesan cheese can be a nice touch, if you like. Follow the Full Recipe to enjoy a meal that highlights these simple, fresh ingredients. To start, you need a large pot. Fill it with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Now, add your spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Before you drain the spaghetti, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. This water is starchy and will help your sauce stick later. After that, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Next, grab a large skillet. Pour in half a cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your thinly sliced garlic. Stir the garlic often to prevent it from burning. You want it to turn a lovely golden brown. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye, as burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Once the garlic is golden, it’s time to add some heat. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 30 seconds. This will give the oil a spicy kick. Now, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic oil. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything well to coat the spaghetti in the oil. If it seems too dry, add more reserved water until it reaches the desired consistency. Finish by folding in fresh parsley and lemon zest for added flavor. You can also add salt to taste. If you like, top your dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To avoid burning garlic, keep the heat at medium. Stir the garlic often and watch it closely. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. Golden garlic adds flavor, while burnt garlic ruins the dish. For the right pasta consistency, cook spaghetti until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Reserve some pasta water before draining. You can add this water later to adjust the sauce's texture. If you want to adjust the spice level, start with less red pepper flakes. You can always add more later. For a milder dish, use just a pinch or omit the flakes. Using fresh herbs, like parsley, gives a bright taste. Dried herbs work too, but they lack the same freshness. If you use dried herbs, add them early in the cooking process so they can release their flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Shrimp is a great choice. Just sauté it in the garlic oil until pink. Chicken works well too. Cut it into small pieces and cook in the oil. For a vegetarian option, use tofu. Press and cube it, then fry until golden. If you want a vegan meal, use firm tofu and skip the cheese. It adds texture and protein without animal products. Each protein option gives a different taste, making your dish more exciting. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a blank canvas. You can play with flavors. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano. They brighten up the dish. You can also add spices like smoked paprika for depth. Sun-dried tomatoes or olives can add a rich, tangy flavor. Chop them up and mix them in with the spaghetti. This gives the dish a Mediterranean twist. Don't be afraid to experiment! Your taste buds will thank you. For the full recipe, check out the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Kick. To store Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. It will last up to three days in the fridge. To enjoy it later, you could freeze it. However, freezing can change the texture of the dish. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best taste. When reheating, use low heat on the stove. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help revive the sauce. This keeps the flavors strong. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, the dish stays moist and tasty. If it feels dry, add a bit more olive oil or water. Aglio e Olio means "garlic and oil" in Italian. This dish highlights these two simple flavors. You can taste the garlic's warmth paired with the rich olive oil. It is a classic dish from Naples, Italy. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta for Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Many brands make great gluten-free options. Just follow the cooking time on the package. The rest of the recipe remains the same. To make this dish less spicy, reduce the red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon instead of one. You can also leave them out entirely. The garlic and oil will still taste great without the heat. Good side dishes include a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A simple arugula salad adds a nice peppery contrast. Garlic bread makes the meal feel cozy and warming. To make this a complete meal, add protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well. You can also toss in some veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes. This not only adds nutrition but also flavor. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple yet tasty dish. We explored key ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and more. I shared how to cook pasta perfectly and make the garlic oil. We also looked at tips to enhance flavor and fun variations. Remember, cooking is about experimenting. Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own. Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Aglio e Olio!$

Discover the perfect Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with a Kick recipe that combines classic flavors with a spicy twist! This quick and easy meal features al dente spaghetti tossed in savory garlic oil, zesty lemon, and red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is simple to make and bursting with flavor. Click through for the full recipe and spice up your dinner tonight!

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Ingredients

400g spaghetti

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes depending on brand. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then proceed to drain the spaghetti in a colander.

In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns a lovely golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.

Once the garlic is nicely browned, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Continue to sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the flakes to infuse the oil with a spicy kick.

Carefully add the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic oil. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to aid in combining the ingredients. Toss everything together vigorously to ensure that the spaghetti is thoroughly coated with the flavorful garlic oil mixture.

Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the finely chopped parsley, lemon zest, and salt to taste. If the sauce appears too dry, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency for the sauce.

Serve the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this vibrant and spicy twist on a classic dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | Serves 4